From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Becky G Opens Up About Identity and Mental Health at Project Healthy Minds Event
Becky G brought Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival to a powerful close on Saturday (Oct. 10) in New York with an intimate conversation on identity, creativity and mental health. Moderated by NBC News correspondent Morgan Radford, the panel gave the Mexican American star space to reflect on growing up in the public eye, protecting her peace and learning to tell her story on her own terms.
“The whole concept of being a role model is to model this idea of perfection, and I don’t think that is real at all,” Becky G said. “Instead of being a role model, I’ve always felt the responsibility to be a real model, which means I’m not going to have all the answers. I’m not going to get it right every single time.”
She also spoke candidly about therapy, family and her healing journey, saying: “I had to become the person that I needed most, and that’s when Becky G came to be.” The conversation arrives just days before she is scheduled to join Billboard’s Latin Music Week for a Superstar Q&A this Wednesday (Oct. 21).
BMI Creates Space for Women Songwriters in Música Mexicana
“Música mexicana has historically been a male-dominated field, making it more important than ever to champion the women creatives who are shaping its future,” said Lilibeth Patron, BMI’s associate director of creative for Latin, in a statement. “Las Compositoras+ is about fostering community and creating space for connection and collaboration.”
Led by singer-songwriter Erika Vidrio, the camp began at the Fender offices before moving to a Bel Air house, where the participants spent several days developing new music together. Held in Los Angeles earlier this month and announced Sept. 30, the four-day retreat brought together Damaris Bojor, Lorena Cabral, Tania Dominguez, Poe Leos, MXKA, Marián Oviedo, Jacqie Rivera and Adriana Ríos to collaborate and write new songs for potential placements.
Lin-Manuel Miranda to Receive iHeartRadio’s Corazón Latino Award
Lin-Manuel Miranda will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award during iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina on Saturday (Oct. 17) at Miami’s Kaseya Center. Hosted by Enrique Santos and Dayanara Torres, the concert event will feature performances by Anuel AA, Myke Towers, Farruko, Manuel Turizo, Eladio Carrión, FloyyMenor, Greeicy, Alleh and Rey Tony y Helabusador “Los Titi.”
The award recognizes Miranda’s lasting contributions to Latin music and culture, while the event will also bring together artists and presenters from across entertainment. A free kickoff party will take place Oct. 15 at Miami Design District, featuring Tony Succar’s “Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson” with special guests including Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace and Howie D of the Backstreet Boys. The main event will broadcast across iHeartRadio’s Latin stations nationwide.
Latin Recording Academy Announces 2026 Leading Ladies of Entertainment
The Latin Recording Academy announced its 2026 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees on Oct. 6, recognizing four women whose work has shaped Latin music and the broader entertainment industry: María Fernández, Sandra Jiménez, Salomé Limón and María Rosa García “Niña Pastori.”
The 10th anniversary class represents executive leadership, digital innovation, music production and artistry. Fernández is chief operating officer of Sony Music Entertainment Latin Iberia; Jiménez is YouTube’s regional director and head of music for Latin America and U.S. Latin; Limón is a five-time Latin Grammy-winning producer, composer and engineer; and Niña Pastori is a six-time Latin Grammy winner and Grammy nominee.
The honorees will be celebrated during Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas, with Amazon Music returning as presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year. They will also be invited to mentor the next generation of women through the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program.